President Goodluck Jonathan has given a marching order to military and civilian segments of Nigeria to reach a collective resolve towards addressing Human Rights concerns associated with internal security operations in Nigeria. 
“We have taken very seriously, reports from some international organizations about perceived human rights abuses by our security forces during military operations. Findings, have generally shown that these reports are, in the main, exaggerated. 
“However, we will do everything in our powers to ensure that the rights of our citizens as enshrined in our constitution are respected. We want to appeal to the human rights community for broader cooperation, and deeper understanding of the circumstances that we face and for greater appreciation of the efforts put in place for improved civil-military relationship.”  
President Jonathan spoke today when he declared open, one-day
International Workshop on Civil-Military Cooperation and Observance of Human Rights in Internal Security Operations, held in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
Jonathan noted that the  workshop would serve as a veritable platform for the Nigerian Armed Forces and relevant security agencies, to key into current international best practices, in the conduct of successful counter terrorism operations, and other emergent military operations. 
The Workshop, he added, would further facilitate the development of a doctrine that will bring the Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies and the civilian population even closer, in all internal security operations. 
“I am glad to note that in addition to the Security Sector, we are joined today, by members of the Judiciary, Academia, representatives of governments, International Development Partners, the Media, Civil Society Organizations, as well as other critical stake holders.”
President Jonathan pledged his commitment to continue to investigate and bring to a just and fair closure, any suspected or reported case of human rights abuse. 
He further affirmed the commitment of his administration towards supporting the nation’s security agencies, in their daily task of protecting the people at this most difficult time. 
“We will continue to provide the best of training and acquire appropriate equipment to enable them defend our nation and all members of humanity in our country.”

[myad]

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has finally given President Goodluck Jonathan up to the end of October to make his position known as to whether he would run for the 2015 Presidential election for a second term in office or not.

The President has consistently been dodging several requests being made on him across the country to formally declare his intention to run for the Presidency in the 2015 election.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh spoke to newsmen today at the Wada House national headquarters of the party, making it very clear that the October 30 closing date for the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will not be extended by a minute.

Metuh, who insisted that other aspirants vying for various elective positions should similarly hasten to beat the deadline, stressed that by 6.00pm on October 30, the party would close its door to such aspirants, from the position of President downward.

“The NWC today decided that the issue of the closing date for the collection of the nomination forms cannot be extended. It will not be extended, 6:PM, 30th of October, no party member can obtain forms for our congress and convention 2014 after the deadline, the last date is 30th of October and it will not be extended.” [myad]